Meshoppen gets letter on blighted property

C.J. MARSHALL
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Published: September 13, 2017

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Meshoppen Borough Council on Monday reported it has heard from Bureau Veritas concerning a blighted property Steven Colley owns in the borough.

Council President John Bunnell said the borough received the letter in August from inspector Ty Dodge. The letter informed Colley that he had 60 days to respond concerning his property at 108 Oak Street.

Last month, it was reported that Bureau Veritas, an agency employed by member municipalities of the Wyoming County Council of Governments for building inspections, had condemned the property.

Council and local residents expressed concerns about the property, which Colley rents out, indicating that the structure is unsafe.

Bunnell reported on Monday that Colley still has about 30 days to respond to Bureau Veritas on the matter. According to the letter, Colley must either make repairs to the property or vacate it, the president explained.

It was also reported that there is no roof on the structure, and Bureau Veritas has ruled it non-fit for human habitation or use.

In other business, resident Cindy Cona reported that Meshoppen Day held in August raised $2,373 - after expenses - which is earmarked purchase playground equipment for the baseball field. The money was deposited in the bank with funds raised from last year’s special day for a total of $4,052. The account will be kept open for additional money raised from other events.

One suggestion Cona made was a Halloween ‘trunk or treat party,’ at the ballpark. She also said she would like to see a winter festival at the park, which could include a tree lighting, singing carols, ice skating, and other events.

Council also mulled the possibility of reviving the Meshoppen parade, which has not been held in the borough for more than 25 years.

Other suggestions made by Cona include using the ball park to hold a community yard sale or flea market, a bike rally or an antique car show, children’s baseball games, and adult baseball games.

Council member Doris Pickett said she likes the ideas, but also suggested that Cona not be required to solely take on the responsibility of setting them up and running them.

These are fund raisers that would benefit the community, Pickett explained, and she would be willing to organize a flea market or community yard sale.

Council member Mike Lloyd said that Canal Street has been “taking a beating,” since PennDOT set it up as a detour on Aug. 28. The detour has been put into effect because the bridge on state Route 267 is being replaced.

Resident Joe Campbell of Meshoppen again addressed council concerning actions of Police Chief John Krieg.

Last month, Campbell complained about an incident involving his son- a juvenile - and others in the park that occurred in July. Campbell contended that Krieg had acted irresponsibly by not arresting those involved, and instead told him there was nothing he (the chief) could do because the action came under freedom of speech.

On Monday, Campbell said he had contacted the district attorney, and was informed that it is council who oversee Krieg’s position.

Bunnell insisted that he had not told Campbell to talk to the district attorney about the matter. The president informed Campbell if he wished to pursue the matter further, he should speak to an attorney.

Krieg, who was at the meeting, told Campbell the district attorney had sent him an email about the matter, informing him that he had made the right decision in his handling of the incident.

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